Scatterbrain: How the Mind's Mistakes Make Humans Creative, Innovative, and Successful

(Hardback)

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Description

In this mind-bending book, an esteemed neuroscientist explains why perfectionism is pointlessand argues that mistakes, missteps, and flaws are the keys to success.

Remember that time you screwed up simple math or forgot the name of your favorite song What if someone told you that such embarrassing brain farts are actually secret weapons, proof of your superiority to computers and AI

In Scatterbrain, we learn that boredom awakens the muse, distractions spark creativity, and misjudging time creates valuable memories, among other benefits of our faulty minds. Throughout, award-winning neuroscientist Henning Becks hilarious asides and brain-boosting advice make for delightful reading of the most cutting-edge neuroscience our brains will (maybe never) remember.

Reviews

Illuminating, and a joy to read, [Scatterbrain] offers, in comparison to other recent neuroscience titles, a refreshingly accessible and relatable take on the brains inner workings that should appeal to both science buffs and casual readers.
Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)

Scatterbrain is the perfect explanation for ones great achievements and an excellent excuse for those frequent mishaps.
The Psychologist

There are so many fascinating nuggets of information in this book All in all, a romp of a read.
Human Givens Journal

Being scatterbrained has long been seen as a disadvantage, but as a neuroscientist, Henning Beck knows better. His engaging book will convince you that forgetting helps you remember and distractions can make you more creative.
Adam Grant,New York Times bestselling author of Originals and Give and Take, and host of TED's WorkLife podcast

Beck is definitely a scientist of the people and his approach ensures that all readers can glean something intriguing from this book's pages.
Booklist

For anyone who has ever momentarily blanked on a name, choked under pressure, or kicked themselves for making a 'careless' mistake, you may now forgive yourself. With this insightful and accessible book, Beck humorously sledgehammers the notion that our brains are infallible.
Zach Schonbrun, author of The Performance Cortex

In an era of continuous self-optimization, Scatterbrain by German neuroscientist Dr. Henning Beck offers novel insights on our often self-defeating pursuit of perfection, and provides a roadmap to more creative thinking and better decision-making to realize ones full potential. A must-read!
Sandra Navidi, Founder and CEO of BeyondGlobal and author of $uperHubs

Scatterbrain is a brilliant and engaging users guide to the brain, masterfully transforming discoveries from neuroscience into practical personal insights and disruptive corporate practice.
Donald Hoffman, Professor of Cognitive Sciences at the University of California, and author of The Case Against Reality

The brain is a messy, faulty wonder, and if we could all agree that perfection is not the minds ultimate goal, we would be much better off. Henning Beck shows us how to appreciate our imperfect brainsand is fine with readers straying from the page from time to time!
Ylva stby, author of Adventures in Memory

Author Bio

Henning Beck received his PhD in neuroscience from the Graduate School of Cellular & Molecular Neuroscience, University of Tbingen, and holds an international diploma in Project Management from the University of California Berkeley. He is a frequent lecturer, workshop leader, science slam speaker, and consultant on topics such as neuroscience and creativity.